BLAME me and not the chairman, insisted Gillingham manager Mark Stimson following Saturday’s surrender to League 1 relegation rivals Crewe.

The Gills slipped further towards relegation after crashing to a 3-0 defeat but Stimson was unhappy at supporters directing their anger at chairman Paul Scally.

“I’ll take all the responsibility,” he said. “I’m big enough and I’ve been in the game long enough to know the buck stops with the manager and I’m prepared to take that.

“Some of the messages regarding the chairman were not wanted. People should direct their anger at me. Don’t aim them at the chairman.

“He’s put a lot of time, effort and money into this football club. Focus it on me, I’ll take it on my shoulders. Keep off the chairman and direct it at me because I know the game.

“Since the day I’ve turned up he’s been absolutely fantastic to work with and he’s desperate for this club to get back up to where they were in the Championship.

“In the future if there is any grief, give it to me. I pick the team and take full responsibility for those players out on the pitch.”

Mr Scally wasn’t alone in receiving a backlash from the fans as the Gills dropped four points clear from safety after winning just one of their last 13 games. Stimson was also targeted but he’s willing to take the heat.

“It does hurt,” he admitted. “If I’m honest that’s happened since the second or third game in charge. I get on with it. My shoulders are big.

“Some of the language is not good if I’m honest. I asked a steward if they’re allowed to use that language because I didn’t think they could. I take on board what they’re saying but football’s crazy.

“One supporter said to me after the Southend game we were rubbish. Then we beat Forest and he came up to me and said I was the best manager we’ve ever had!

“I don’t forget faces and I’m a believer that what comes around goes around. I’ll have my time.

“It’s the old throw of the dice now, all or nothing and the only way we will get out of it will to be together on it.”